Edgar Gonzalez in rotation mix

One of the A’s two no-shows in camp, right-hander Edgar Gonzalez, arrived this morning and is on the field w/the team. He’s a non-roster player, but from the way Bob Geren has talked about him, he’s considered a legit candidate for the fifth starter spot. Because he just pitched in the Mexican Pacific League this winter, he shouldn’t be behind the other pitchers. Gonzalez spent parts of the past six seasons w/ Arizona. He turns 26 on Monday. “I know we always admired his work from afar,” Geren said. “We had an opportunity to sign him, and I’m happy we did.”

Geren said Gonzalez will play catch today, throw a side session tomorrow and then go three innings in Tuesday’s intrasquad game. He’s slated to throw on the last day of the A’s five-man rotation once Cactus League games begin (That doesn’t mean he starts those games necessarily. It’s too early to read much into who pitches on what days). Non-roster catcher Joel Galarraga is the only player who hasn’t arrived in camp, but he’s expected soon. Like Gonzalez, he experienced visa problems in Mexico.

–Check out this story, which says the Dodgers have begun talks with free agent shortstop Orlando Cabrera. Interestingly, Cabrera apparently is willing to play second base in Dodger Blue. The indications I’m getting from within the A’s organization is that dialogue with Cabrera has slowed down recently, so L.A. could have the inside track on him.